Discussion

Does Peter Luger take walk-ins?

I'll be in NYC at the end of March and was thinking of taking in the Peter Luger experience. After reading old threads, it seems that reservations can be hard to come by less than a month in advance. Would it be unwise to just show up between 7 and 8 pm on a mid-week night and hope for a table for 2 within a reasonable time (say, under 90 minutes)?

Lunch walk ins are usually not a problem. Dinner can be a wait, but I have done the walk in for dinner many times. I think under 90 minutes can definitely happen for you. I would just go. On a good night it is the best steak in the city (get the steak for 2).

You're dreaming. Between 5 and 6 pm might be possible. Please keep in mind that Peter Luger is not always the Nirvana that people say or think it is. Also, please be prepared to bring a wad of cash. They don't take credit cards, except for their own house card.

Thanks, gentlemen, for the sage advice (apologies to Sluggo if you are in fact a lady). I fully understand the culinary standing of PL which is why I referred to it as the "Luger experience".

I'm probably too shy/beta-male/West-coast to attempt to grease a palm, but given the proximity to Motorino (which is on my "might do" list) as a back up plan, I think I'll still pay PL a visit and see what happens.

I remember cursing the ATM that's right outside. I think it worked out to about a 20% fee, or something ridiculous like that, and limits your withdrawal amount so you have to incur multiple transactions charges.